PHOENIX -- Former Democratic state Sen. Kyrsten Sinema has
been elected to represent a new Phoenix-area congressional district, emerging
victorious after a bitterly fought race that featured millions of dollars in
attack ads.

Sinema had a narrow lead on election night that made the race too close to
call. But she slowly improved that advantage as more ballots were tallied in
recent days, and now has a nearly 6,000-vote edge that is too much for
Republican Vernon Parker to overcome.

She was on an airplane to Washington on Monday for freshman orientation and learned of her victory on Twitter.

In a prepared statement Sinema said,

"I am grateful for the honor and the opportunity to serve the people of Arizona again. My job is to represent all of the people in CD9 whether they voted for me or not. The voters have given us a clear 'to do' list - work to fix our economy, reduce our ballooning debt and better protect the middle class. I am eager to get to work and I intend to team up with anyone of any party who is willing to help change Congress and move our country forward."

Political analyst Mike O'Neil said Sinema has a history of being able to reach across the aisle to work with Republicans and that will serve her well in Washington, D.C.

"A history of going across the aisle in the Arizona Legislature, which is very difficult to do," he said.

Sinema's district covers parts of Phoenix, much of Tempe, and sections of Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler.

"She'll be very interesting to follow," said O'Neil. "She clearly doesn't fit a predictable mold. "

O'Neil said Republicans failed in their attempt to paint Sinema as too liberal, when in truth she's a political centrist on many issues.

Sinema becomes the first openly bisexual member of Congress. Her victory came
in a year when three states approved gay marriage and at least five openly gay
Democrats were elected to House seats. A Wisconsin congresswoman also became the
first openly gay person elected to the Senate.

``I am honored and ready to start working for the people of Arizona,'' Sinema
said.

The 36-year-old was in New York City on Monday for an event held by a women's
group and was headed to Washington on Tuesday for congressional orientation.

Parker called her to congratulate her on the victory.

``While I had wished for a different outcome, I will continue my public service
so that everybody can follow the American dream just like I did,'' Parker said
in a statement.

During the race, Parker was criticized by Democrats as a tea party radical who
would hurt children by cutting the federal education department.

Parker was criticized by Democrats as a tea party radical who would hurt
children by cutting the federal Education Department.

Republicans countered saying Sinema was too liberal for the newly created
district and doesn't understand stay-at-home moms.

Parker took the national stage briefly in September when he gave the GOP weekly
address. He focused on stopping expected tax hikes and developing a tax code he
said would help the economy grow and prevent jobs from being sent overseas.

Sinema said she had the ability to work across party lines. She said she
developed the skill during her eight years in the state Legislature, where she
was always in the minority. She also said she was committed to women's issues.

Sinema's congressional district covers parts of Phoenix and several suburbs,
including the small, affluent town of Paradise Valley where Parker was once
mayor.

Republicans had a slight registration advantage, but both parties' totals were
exceeded by independents. Many believe the district leans Democrat.

The district was drawn as a result of population growth revealed by the latest
census. It covers parts of Phoenix, much of Tempe, home of Arizona State
University, and sections of other suburbs, including Scottsdale, Mesa and
Chandler.

One other congressional race remains undecided in Arizona. Rep. Ron Barber, the
hand-picked successor to Gabrielle Giffords, had a lead of a few hundred votes
over Republican Martha McSally in the Tucson-area district.

About the Author

Have covered some of the biggest stories in Arizona including nine of the top 10 largest wildfires in state history. The Wallow Fire in 2011 became the largest fire in state history. Rodeo-Chediski Fire in June 2002, which is the second largest fire in Arizona. Covered the Yarnell Hill Tragedy in June 2013 that left 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots dead.

Favorite movies: True Grit, both 1969 John Wayne classic and the remake with Jeff Bridges and Lonesome Dove.

Sports Teams: Washington State University Cougars, Texas Longhorns, The University of Montana Grizzlies.